Anna recommends

Other People's Houses by Abbi Waxman is a super fun read. You will immediately fall in love with main character, Frances (overextended mom who runs the neighborhood carpool) and enjoy reading the drama-packed goings-on of her block!

In Wally Lamb's "She's Come Undone," we watch the main character, Dolores, grow from age 4 to age 34. We witness her tragedy, trudge through her insanity, and cheer her on when it seems she is finally in reach of contentedness. Easy, quick read. Though most readers likely won't want to compare themselves to Dolores, she is remarkably relatable.

"This Is Where I Leave You" is an easy, relatable, very funny read for the next time you're in the mood for zany characters and familial craziness. 3 grown brothers and their sister (kids and partners in tow) are forced to head back to their childhood home for 7 days to sit Shiva after their father's death.

Laurie Halse Anderson's SPEAK is an essential read for any adolescent, but particularly those who are about to enter 9th grade. Though ultimately uplifting, the author walks us through the emotional Hell that is high school. Funny but dark, we follow the main character's journey through freshman year, which begins with a traumatic incident.